Ask HN: What's your philosophy?
Just curious, what drives you? Why exist?
136 comments
I'm toying with being an Anti-Solipsist, which basically states that everybody exists but me. I am completely imaginary and just a figment of real people's perceptions.
Since you exist, you should find this interesting, except that it came from me, an entity that is just a figment of your imagination.
Then again maybe not.
As you can see, I'm still working out some bugs with this worldview.
(grin)
I joke because I find the question slightly inane: people are who they are. It's not like they choose a philosophy and suddenly become something besides the emotional, reasoning hominids they've been all their lives. Philosophies can be bent, and people are really good at bending them to suit their predisposed character traits. In my opinion, of course.
Since you exist, you should find this interesting, except that it came from me, an entity that is just a figment of your imagination.
Then again maybe not.
As you can see, I'm still working out some bugs with this worldview.
(grin)
I joke because I find the question slightly inane: people are who they are. It's not like they choose a philosophy and suddenly become something besides the emotional, reasoning hominids they've been all their lives. Philosophies can be bent, and people are really good at bending them to suit their predisposed character traits. In my opinion, of course.
Philosophies can be bent, and people are really good at bending them to suit their predisposed character traits. In my opinion, of course.
Those aren't the interesting characters. The interesting ones are the ones that do change to suit a new philosophy.
I agree it's inane. But, none the less, still interesting to hear people's philosophies.
Personally my philosophy seems to change as I go through life and have new experiences and different goals.
Those aren't the interesting characters. The interesting ones are the ones that do change to suit a new philosophy.
I agree it's inane. But, none the less, still interesting to hear people's philosophies.
Personally my philosophy seems to change as I go through life and have new experiences and different goals.
A friend of mine used to joke about anti-solipsism. He calls it being "the hole in the cosmic doughnut". :)
If you think about the ephemeral nature of being alive, anti-solipsism has a lot going for it.
The question "why exist" is a non-starter, however, since the question can only be posed (and answered) by some part of something that _does_ exist. Existence IS, there is no why. Why is non-material.
God I love philosophy.
The question "why exist" is a non-starter, however, since the question can only be posed (and answered) by some part of something that _does_ exist. Existence IS, there is no why. Why is non-material.
God I love philosophy.
You could rephrase it as "why continue to exist?"
I think that's what the original meant.
I think that's what the original meant.
Well, it's two different things, obviously. "Why continue to exist?" is personal but "Why does anything exist?" is much more interesting. Except, I'm starting to think it's a loaded question, as your parent, I think, was implying. Due to our innate perception of things coming into and out of existence.
It's an interesting question that I have no good answer for!
Related: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Myth_of_Sisyphus
Related: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Myth_of_Sisyphus
If you think about it, anti-solipsism, or at least the pre-solipsism era lasted for millions of years before solipsism. That fact alone makes me think solipsism is a bunch of hogwash.
Eckhart Tolle?
I like Raymond Smullyan's strategy for arguing with a solipsist:
Only I exist.
Absolutely correct. Only I exist!
Actually, there is something of an anti-solipsist position. Thomas Nagel discusses it in his classic "The View From Nowhere." If solipsism might be regarded as holding that nothing exists other than what is perceived from one's _subjective_ viewpoint, then anti-solipsism holds that nothing exists other than the _objective_ "viewpoint." What the anti-solipsist would deny is his own perspective as a subject in the world, which as one might imagine, is as impossible as holding a solipsist position. Nagel's book strives to reconcile these seemingly irreconcilable perspectives -- subjective and objective. Recommended reading.
I disagree with this interpretation of anti-solipsism, although since I don't exist, it's okay if you find my argument lacking.
I feel that other people still exist as subjective entities, just that the validation of my subjectivity is lacking, ie, while it seems obvious that every human throughout the existance of mankind has had the subjective experience of existing, I disbelieve that any reasonable percentage of them believe that I have had the subjective experience of existing. Therefore, while it seems to me that I have the subjective experience of existing, that's just an artifact of semantics. In reality for 99.99999999999% of the cosmos (actually the number is zero) I do not, in fact, exist.
But I'm sure Nagel is more on the money. Sounds like a good read.
I feel that other people still exist as subjective entities, just that the validation of my subjectivity is lacking, ie, while it seems obvious that every human throughout the existance of mankind has had the subjective experience of existing, I disbelieve that any reasonable percentage of them believe that I have had the subjective experience of existing. Therefore, while it seems to me that I have the subjective experience of existing, that's just an artifact of semantics. In reality for 99.99999999999% of the cosmos (actually the number is zero) I do not, in fact, exist.
But I'm sure Nagel is more on the money. Sounds like a good read.
People can also be bent. I saw a documentary the other day where neurologists explained that much of our perception of the world is a construction of our brain, that's why it can easily be tricked by illusions.
One of them concluded that since your world is shaped by your view of it, changing the way you think changes the world. This was the neurologist who had studied meditating people. No one explicitely mentioned philosophy as way to change your thinking though.
One of them concluded that since your world is shaped by your view of it, changing the way you think changes the world. This was the neurologist who had studied meditating people. No one explicitely mentioned philosophy as way to change your thinking though.
Isn't Trent Reznor somewhat of an anti-solipsist? A lot of his lyrics hint at it.
I did a search for it, and ironically this thread came up as one of the top results. I guess Google _really_ likes YC News. I would be interested to read more about it, I guess I'll have to dig a little deeper.
I did a search for it, and ironically this thread came up as one of the top results. I guess Google _really_ likes YC News. I would be interested to read more about it, I guess I'll have to dig a little deeper.
this thread came up as one of the top results. I guess Google _really_ likes YC News.
Just wait a few hours; whenever this submission falls off the front page, Google should drop it quicker than a greased pig down a mud slide.
Just wait a few hours; whenever this submission falls off the front page, Google should drop it quicker than a greased pig down a mud slide.
My Son. (and his soon to be bother/sister)
Sounds hokey, and it's a relatively new feeling for me, but everything I do these days is all about enabling him.
Sounds hokey, and it's a relatively new feeling for me, but everything I do these days is all about enabling him.
his soon to be bother/sister,
Ah. To be a bother; the sacred duty of little sisters everywhere...
Ah. To be a bother; the sacred duty of little sisters everywhere...
lol... good catch. Perhaps that's my own personal foreshadowing!
beautiful sentiment, but don't make him the center of your universe, because YOU should be the rightful, temporary center of his universe and not the other way around.
Remember that the end goal of your being his father is for him to become his own man; if your identity is solely 'his father' you will have nowhere to stand when he is no longer first and foremost 'your son'. A man with an identity crisis does not a mature man's father make. For his sake, devote your life to something honourable and deserving of your attention; he will see your example, and model after you, directing his energy upwards and outwards, instead of inwards and downwards like you are doing.
You may not believe me, but that's exactly what happened to the Chinese (my) people, so, be careful.
Remember that the end goal of your being his father is for him to become his own man; if your identity is solely 'his father' you will have nowhere to stand when he is no longer first and foremost 'your son'. A man with an identity crisis does not a mature man's father make. For his sake, devote your life to something honourable and deserving of your attention; he will see your example, and model after you, directing his energy upwards and outwards, instead of inwards and downwards like you are doing.
You may not believe me, but that's exactly what happened to the Chinese (my) people, so, be careful.
Oh, most certainly!
I'm concerned with doing two things really:
1. Making sure he has the opportunity to become exactly whom he wants to be, regardless of what that is.
2. Through example and instruction, ensure that he's capable enough to properly value and evaluate his different options, and mature enough to work hard enough to achieve them.
While ultimately, everything I do is tempered by what I think would be the best for him, I do live my own life and have my own goals. For example, I've always wanted to be a pilot, and in due time I hope to achieve that goal. I'd love for him to share in that accomplishment, but I certainly have no expectations of him to become a pilot himself, and if he's not that big on flying, it certainly won't stop me.
Your advice is sound though. From my outside observations (I live in Vancouver so I get a good chance to observe) of asian families in general, I think there are many that should be heeding your words. I'd just as soon say though that many North American raised people - regardless of culture - could use some more devotion to something other than themselves though!
I'm concerned with doing two things really:
1. Making sure he has the opportunity to become exactly whom he wants to be, regardless of what that is.
2. Through example and instruction, ensure that he's capable enough to properly value and evaluate his different options, and mature enough to work hard enough to achieve them.
While ultimately, everything I do is tempered by what I think would be the best for him, I do live my own life and have my own goals. For example, I've always wanted to be a pilot, and in due time I hope to achieve that goal. I'd love for him to share in that accomplishment, but I certainly have no expectations of him to become a pilot himself, and if he's not that big on flying, it certainly won't stop me.
Your advice is sound though. From my outside observations (I live in Vancouver so I get a good chance to observe) of asian families in general, I think there are many that should be heeding your words. I'd just as soon say though that many North American raised people - regardless of culture - could use some more devotion to something other than themselves though!
I live for the moments when I forget I exist. Can happen when doing math, physics, philosophy, or listening to music; being able to transcend my existence.
That's called flow. I've been reading a book by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly on that ( http://www.amazon.com/Flow-Psychology-Experience-Mihaly-Csik... ).
That's what drives me, too.
That's what drives me, too.
It's really a rather odd philosophy when you think about it. Is consciousness a mistake?
I would like to think that java programmers adhere to objectivism thus I must be into functionalism which I feel is an analog to utility? Making proceduralism futility?
To become united and in line with the beauty and vitality of Nature, and to become united with those we love - what other ultimate object in life is there? Surely all these other things, these games and examinations, these churches and chapels, these district councils and money markets, these top-hats and telephones and even the general necessity of earning one's living - if they are not ultimately for that, what are they for?
(Edward Carpenter)
(Edward Carpenter)
I follow the philosophy of the Divine Porcine. Briefly stated, followers of this philosophy believe there must be a divine being, since how else could you explain that bacon, ham, and pork chops all come from the same wonderful animal?
I'll die anyway so why not make the most of the time I got?
I'll die anyway so why worry?
Don't experience life through the filter of a philosophy.
The only metaphysical purpose of a human being is to survive.
The only moral purpose of a human being is to pursue happiness.
The only moral purpose of a human being is to pursue happiness.
But, as the Dalai Lama said, it's easy to confuse happiness with pleasure, and it's not always easy to understand the difference.
"The only metaphysical purpose of sarah connor is to survive.
The only moral purpose of sarah connor is to pursue happiness."
-- T-800
The only moral purpose of sarah connor is to pursue happiness."
-- T-800
well trying to prevent a midlife crisis. By the time I hit mid to late 30s I want to be spending a lot more time on things that I am passionate about - my family, kids (hopefully when I have them), my violin and entrepreneurship, and lot less at a job that sucks out my life!
Entropism
The goal of human civilization is to conquer entropy. Also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale
The goal of human civilization is to conquer entropy. Also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kardashev_scale
Not knowing everything. I don't know exactly what drives me, but i have an enormous need to find out. The same with all sorts of other questions, if most people were me, and asked themselves the same stuff as i do, and got similar answers, they would be either mad, or really weird, I've managed to stay slightly mad and moderately weird, but i don't know for how long, and I'm eager to find out.
Well, it's hard to tell from just a few lines, but I would guess that your are an INTP personality.
The existence of nothing is equivalent to the existence of everything; neither can exist without the other since their respective definitions can only be expressed in relation (as a negation) of the other.
Both existence and a lack thereof are a part of the one same entity.
This entity mirrors itself infinitely both in "space" and in "time".
It mirrors itself in "time" by alternating between the states of existence and a lack thereof.
It mirrors itself in "space" exponentially by necessarily drawing a border around itself because the very existence of both existence and a lack thereof must give rise to a lack of existence and a lack thereof, if and only if it is to adhere to its own rule, to which it must by its own definition, which itself must exist by definition in the first paragraph.
This process of progressively expanding the "borders" of existence continues ad infinitum and gives rise to what we know as reality.
As depicted in the following moving picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH45ffITujI
Both existence and a lack thereof are a part of the one same entity.
This entity mirrors itself infinitely both in "space" and in "time".
It mirrors itself in "time" by alternating between the states of existence and a lack thereof.
It mirrors itself in "space" exponentially by necessarily drawing a border around itself because the very existence of both existence and a lack thereof must give rise to a lack of existence and a lack thereof, if and only if it is to adhere to its own rule, to which it must by its own definition, which itself must exist by definition in the first paragraph.
This process of progressively expanding the "borders" of existence continues ad infinitum and gives rise to what we know as reality.
As depicted in the following moving picture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RH45ffITujI
It's asking myself your question that drives me. I do whatever I do because I _believe_ (taken on faith) that it gives my existence meaning, and that ultimately, by doing enough of what I do, I hope to glean some insight into why I exist.
I dislike doing anything based solely on faith, but in this case I regard my "belief" as certain as my "belief" in mathematics describing the truth, i.e. I consider both pretty much absolute.
Here's a related commentary I found helpful, 2nd para lists (in a relatively archaic style, you have to parse it a bunch of times - 3 different religious answers to a similar existential question): http://www.hinduwebsite.com/divinelife/auro/auro_fateandfree...
(note: I don't advocate Hinduism, Sri Aurobindo or promote belief in God, am merely searching the answer to the question - "why am I not a fatalist?")
I dislike doing anything based solely on faith, but in this case I regard my "belief" as certain as my "belief" in mathematics describing the truth, i.e. I consider both pretty much absolute.
Here's a related commentary I found helpful, 2nd para lists (in a relatively archaic style, you have to parse it a bunch of times - 3 different religious answers to a similar existential question): http://www.hinduwebsite.com/divinelife/auro/auro_fateandfree...
(note: I don't advocate Hinduism, Sri Aurobindo or promote belief in God, am merely searching the answer to the question - "why am I not a fatalist?")
Strive for excellence.
If I continue to contribute small pieces of knowledge, technology or such to the world, hopefully someone will be inspired by all those collective bits and pieces (in combination with those of others) to eventually answer the big questions and promote the well-being of our species.
Determinism.
<flips coin>
I flipped a coin to decide whether I should up mod or down mod this. Was the coin flip pre-determined by my previous actions? Did I actually up mod or down mod this? :)
I flipped a coin to decide whether I should up mod or down mod this. Was the coin flip pre-determined by my previous actions? Did I actually up mod or down mod this? :)
By reading it, you caused it to collapse into a modded state. :)
I am into negative philosophies, it often is a lot easier to say certain important ideas are false than to establish an overarching truth. One negative philosophy is that determinism is incoherent as a philosophy, since philosophy implies choice. While simple sounding, that idea is actually very, very deep and cuts through every discipline I know of. It forms the basis for my views on capitalism, technology, metaphysics, etc.
How does philosophy imply choice?
If it isn't a choice, then there's not much point talking about it, is there?
Another example is Rand's argument that there is absolute truth: saying there is no absolute truth is a self contradiction, so it is an untenable position. That avoids the whole problem of trying to point out a specific absolute truth, while still showing its the better position.
Another example is Rand's argument that there is absolute truth: saying there is no absolute truth is a self contradiction, so it is an untenable position. That avoids the whole problem of trying to point out a specific absolute truth, while still showing its the better position.
I gave up on determinism when I learned quantum physics.
There is nothing random in QM, only in it's interpretation. But interpretations are meaningless as there is no way to differentiate them via experiment.
I never said there was anything random. Only non-deterministic. Of course, we are arguing philosophy, so experiments are useless.
People have, throughout the ages, attributed to randomness (or now non-determinism) things they couldn't understand.
Or they attributed it to a higher power (fatalism/determinism).
Pick your poison.
Pick your poison.
[deleted]
I'd like to hold the opposite view: There is randomness but the world is still deterministic. Just imagine there was a big one-time table of random numbers generated with the world. Whenever a random bit is needed, it's gets taken from the table.
To experience the beauty of existence.
Be excellent to one another
and for those that haven't read it: http://www.paulgraham.com/philosophy.html
Thought that can be changed due to experiment (bayesian thought). Deconstructuralism applied to society and preconceived notions of truth (or even if truth exists). Nondeterminism and how that applies to free will. Thats what makes me get up in the morning.
truth = beauty
Testosterone.
It's fun.
Working to make self-actualization more likely for myself and others.
Humanism.
I want to live my life, not just exist within it.
Seems to be the thing to do.
To make something from nothing that has an impact, hopefully for the better, in how people live.
Hitting payroll, though, in the more short term. :)
Hitting payroll, though, in the more short term. :)
i ain't got nothin' better to do
I exist because of a certain chain of historical events. I continue to exist because I am programmed to maintain my existence and because my environment makes doing so with high probability (at least in the short and medium term) remarkably easy. Everything else is post-hoc storytelling.
Ugh, really?
Here's a simple one that usually works: care about other people, contribute to the world around you. After that, the rest of life figures itself out pretty easily.
If you want some sort of logic or math proof on why this is, remove head from rectum.
Here's a simple one that usually works: care about other people, contribute to the world around you. After that, the rest of life figures itself out pretty easily.
If you want some sort of logic or math proof on why this is, remove head from rectum.
secular-humanist-singularitarian-objectivist
I am here to debug an unstable, confusing, and feature-poor universe.
I'm on the Nietzsche 3-step program.
http://books.google.com/books?id=v5DFOleeTeAC&pg=PA13...
http://books.google.com/books?id=v5DFOleeTeAC&pg=PA13...
> Why exist?
Just ask yourself why you don't commit suicide...
I abide by game theory.
I believe I was created in the image of my creator–I think that's why I have an innate desire to create myself (and why we all do). And part of the reason I exist.
I might die tomorrow.
Its great to be in movement;
dont know for people in other ages, but in our time, things seems to be acceleratin and that makes it a great time to live.
Things are better every year. You can do anything you want to, and your actions inspire others to do the same. There is a joy in masterful creation.
I like the fact that there is such a 'long tail' here.
I listen to my conscience. I can really tell when I'm going in the wrong direction.
I am surprised no one else has mentioned anything of the sort in this thread.
I am surprised no one else has mentioned anything of the sort in this thread.
Life starts at the end of my comfort zone. (that has been my philosophy for the past few weeks. I usually change it every other week.)
Great to see that no one sees themselves as a Hacker... on 'Hacker News'. I guess it's more 'Self Help News' these days anyway.
Curiosity, and for the pure enjoyment of it.
it's übermenschism : i'm a nietzsche fanboy
Almost all processes that are not obviously simple can be viewed as computations of equivalent sophistication.
Why should one have 'a' philosophy? There are many fine mutually contradictory philosophies, I choose all.
"... What's your philosophy? ..."
Sum ergo cogito
Sum ergo cogito
The pursuit of truth mixed with novelty drives me. I honestly cannot answer why I exist though ;-)
To discover truth and beauty and then then share them through empathy in design and argument.
To put a ding in the universe.
Understand as much as possible. Especially about how we came to be who we are.
will your philosophy change by anti-aging discoveries?
So you might ask: will you live the same life as if you would come back again after you die?
if yes,then you live well now...(so in short, this is my philosophy)
So you might ask: will you live the same life as if you would come back again after you die?
if yes,then you live well now...(so in short, this is my philosophy)
I cannot prove the existence of anything, except for myself.
Screw philosophy.
Is that a philosophy?
Is that a philosophy?
You or may not be interested in the book "Fuck it: The Ultimate Spiritual Way". (probably not)
http://www.amazon.com/Fuck-Ultimate-Spiritual-John-Parkin/dp...
http://www.amazon.com/Fuck-Ultimate-Spiritual-John-Parkin/dp...
It doesn't really matter, the Universe will prevail!!!
I don't think I have a philosophy. Do you need one?
To create.
To leave this place just a little better than I found it.
To leave this place just a little better than I found it.
Cheerful nihilism.
Ever read Max Stirner's: "The Ego and Its Own"?
I sing as the bird sings That on the bough alights; The song that from me springs Is pay that well requites
Cheers
I sing as the bird sings That on the bough alights; The song that from me springs Is pay that well requites
Cheers
Buddah; I don't want to reincarnate into a bug.
Work like an Arminianist, sleep like a Calvinist.
;)
;)
Objectivism.
I'm firmly Dadaist. Also: Spoon.
[deleted]
Objectivism
Be Happy
I just live in the moment
I exist to kill boredom
The quest for happiness
you have nine holes. if you can control what goes into them, and what goes out of them, you will be fine
10 if you are a girl.
[deleted]
Minimize dependencies.
to figure out a philosophy ( and have fun trying)
I see philosophies as more fluid than atomic.
why not?
existentialism.
because i want to.
because i want to.
There's no tomorrow.
To do good better.
be here now
what?
meh
do unto others then run like hell
I exist to misbehave, it's fun.
Karl Popper.